Nick Jonas to Be Honored with 2017 RADIO DISNEY MUSIC AWARDS 'Hero' Award

Multiplatinum recording artist, songwriter, actor and philanthropist Nick Jonas will be honored with the 'Hero' Award at the2017 RADIO DISNEY MUSIC AWARDS (RDMA), music's biggest event for families. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was 13 years old, Jonas helped found Beyond Type 1, a non-profit organization which leverages the power of social media and technology to provide resources for those living with Type 1 diabetes, and provides funding for research, education, advocacy and programs to improve the lives of those living with Type 1 diabetes. Jonas will be presented with the award by longtime friend and fellow advocate, actor Jack Black. Jonas is nominated for three categories at the 2017 RDMA, including "He's The One - Best Male Artist."

Recognizing two youth leaders, the RDMA Heroes for Change Award is a part of Disney's citizenship efforts, Be Inspired. This year's heroes embody Be Inspired in their passionate work to create a brighter tomorrow.

Sixteen-year-old Natalie Hampton is a Los Angeles high school junior and the founder of Sit With Us, Inc., a free mobile app which serves as a school lunch planning tool so that no one has to eat lunch alone. While in middle school, Natalie was bullied by her classmates and found herself eating lunch alone every day. When she reached high school, she found a group of friends and would invite anyone eating alone to join her table. Inspired by a simple act of kindness that made a big difference, her idea for the Sit With Us mobile app was born. In addition to being an anti-bullying activist, Natalie volunteers extensively within her community.

Jocelyn Woods of San Jose, California, was inspired by her childhood to found the Under-represented Teen Advocacy Program (U.T.A.P), a program that connects Bay-area teens in need with available services. As a young girl with limited resources, she turned to her local Boys & Girls Club where she found the stability and support she needed to gain a solid education. As National Youth of the Year, Jocelyn continues to advocate for kids and teens, working with Boys & Girls Club of America's education experts to build new platforms for easier access to college scholarships, internships and secondary education. She is currently studying journalism at the University of Southern California.

Additionally, Radio Disney is proud to partner with the Give a Note Foundation and American Girl® to highlight the importance of music during a special moment in the show.

Voting for the 2017 RDMA is open now through Sunday, April 9, at Disney.com/RDMA, the Radio Disney and Disney Channel apps, Google OneBox, and via Radio Disney's Facebook and Twitter. Tickets for the RDMA are on sale now at AXS.com/RDMA.

Winners will be announced on SATURDAY, APRIL 29, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, with performances by some of the biggest artists along with tomorrow's rising stars in music. A special two-hour telecast, "Disney Channel Presents the 2017 Radio Disney Music Awards," will be presented SUNDAY, APRIL 30 (7:00-9:00 p.m. EDT), in the U.S. across multiple Disney-branded platforms. The 2017 RDMA is sponsored by American Girl®, Aquabeads®, Chrysler, Comcast's Xfinity, Flavor Blasted® Goldfish® Crackers, KRAFT® Macaroni and Cheese Shapes and The Walt Disney Studios.

Information on the Radio Disney Music Awards, voting procedures and official rules are available at www.Disney.com/RDMA.

Photo credit: NJJ Productions, Inc.

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